Surgical Technologist in Idaho
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ID
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Idaho
To become a Surgical Technologist in Idaho, individuals must complete a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Upon completion of an accredited program, candidates must pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to obtain certification. Idaho does not issue a state license for surgical technologists; instead, state law mandates current NBSTSA certification for practice, with employers responsible for verification.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Idaho
| Detail | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. |
| Exam | NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($350) |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 60.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Idaho state law requires surgical technologists to hold a current certification from the NBSTSA to practice. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. Minimum age for program entry is 18 years old. |
Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Surgical Technologist Salary in Idaho
The median surgical technologist salary in Idaho is $62,930 per year, which is 0.2% above the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,580 |
| 25th | $51,260 |
| 50th (median) | $62,930 |
| 75th | $75,170 |
| 90th (experienced) | $77,650 |
Idaho employs approximately 990 surgical technologists.
Surgical Technologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Surgical Technologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.48/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Surgical Technologist in Idaho Worth It?
Factors to consider: Idaho's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.